2. Mary Kay Tinted Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 20, $18. Tinted moisturizer has always been a long time favorite of mine, but this product really shines in the summertime. Easy to apply and blend, this lightweight face product will fool yourself – and others – into thinking that you’re not wearing any face make up at all. Fragrance free, oil free, and non-comedogenic stats make it suitable for all skin types.

4. Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion, $7. Soothing and moisturizing, this product is a newfound love of mine. A slightly tropical scented moisturizer, intertwined with ribbons of Aloe Vera, calms and protects the skin. Perfect for after the pool, beach, or shower.

5. Mary Kay Lash Love Waterproof Mascara, $15. A uniquely sculpted brush separates and lifts lashes for a fresh, wide-eyed summer look. Ophthalmologist tested, and fragrance free, this mascara allows you to be spontaneous and jump into the pool randomly – even with a full face on.

6. CoverGirl Lipslicks Smoochie in Sweet Tweet, $6. This hybrid lip balm/ lipstick not only moisturizers surprisingly well, but also has beautiful color pay-off, and the most delectable scents. Perfect to throw into your summer purse or pool bag. ( Amazon has a $1.50 off coupon which you clip on the product page. Discount is applied at checkout. )

7. Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Peach Mosaic, $40. Laura Mercier has been one of my go-to beauty brands for as long as I can remember. Perfect for light-skinned girls such as myself, Laura has created a line with true toned products, that match any and all skin types. The shimmer bloc is the perfect “do it all” summer must-have. Use it as a bronzer, blush, or even eyeshadow. A bit pricey, this will serve you well for years to come. ( Beauty Tip: Before putting away after the summer, swab with some alcohol to kill any bacteria. Let dry, then store. Do the same when taking out again for usage. )

8. Yes To Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30, $9. I don’t know about you, but I tend to sunburnt in the odd places. My eyebrows, ears, and lips seem to just be irresistible to those dangerous rays. This sunscreen stick is all-natural, which appeals to the health freak in me, and is the perfect for size for taking just about anywhere. Buh-bye odd sunburns!

9. Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes, 25 wipes for $9. Go. Buy. These. Right. Now. Seriously, these make up removing wipes will change your life, and your skin’s life for that matter. These wipes just get it done, easily, and in a non-irritating manner. Make up really soaks into my skin, so in order to go to sleep with clean skin, I generally need to use multiple make up remover wipes, as well as a cleanser and toner. With these babies, I can hop into my cozy bed that much sooner. The brand has exfoliating and oily skin options as well, so although I haven’t tried them, I’d assumed they’re awesome too.

As a child, choosing my backpack was a massive deal. (Yes, I was a spoiled “youngest,” and got a new one practically every year.) I’d ponder each and every choice, marking catalogs galore. Should I go practical with the Lands End, or funky with GapKids? My obsession with backpacks continues until this day – lucky you. Here’s a roundup of my favorites: Some for the littles, and some for the older ones.

1. The Fjallraven Kanken, originally designed for Swedish children in 1978, is as current today as ever. Flawless Swedish design, along with a dizzying array of color choices makes this a no fail pick. Multiple sizes are offered, but I favor the Kanken Mini. Fjallraven , $55.Enjoy free shipping.

2.Skip Hop, ever a cult favorite amongst parents, introduces two new designs this year into their uber popular Zoo line: the panda and the shark. Super durable; Zoo backpacks are both practical and fun for any toddler. Our personal favorite? The charming, blue elephant. Amazon , $16.

3. Named after a tiny frontier town in the 1900s, (that still exists,) the Herschel Supply Company makes irresistible, canvas designs. Priding themselves on their “tough as nails” craftsmanship, their bags come in two sizes, Youth and Kids. Herschel Supply Co. , $40 and $50. $9.95 flat rate shipping. For more color options, CrewCuts , $55. Enjoy free shipping.

4. This next option is brought to us by Cath Kidston, a British cult favorite. A charming designer of spot on prints, this polka dot briefcase is a winner – and most definitely an investment splurge. Asos , $72. Enjoy free shipping and free returns.

5. The Beatrix New York Little Kids backpack is what we’ve all been ceaselessly looking for. ( Well, I have, at least. ) Made from PVC free materials, the laminated canvas is a dream to clean, and the backpack features padded straps, and an interior zipped pocket. The design options are nothing short of whimsy. Amazon, $42 Try Albee Baby as well, for pssoible discounts and more options.

7. French design is never wrong, and this organic cotton satchel strengthens that belief. The Ecole School Satchel features a reinforced base, brown and white gingham print, and a delectable motif. My Little Square , $66.

Yes, I am broaching the subject of The Great Snood Debate. Do you go out in a snood, pre-tied, or tichel? I do. I’ll wear a snood if I’m running to drop my son off at play group, and to grab an iced coffee afterwards. I’ll also wear one when driving long distances, to run into the grocery, or on a quick Target run on a hot day. Trust me, I do wish I was the type of girl who can do everything in a sheitel, but alas, I am not. (I know somebody who gave birth to five children in one. Just saying.) Sensory issues unfortunately have made my body their home, and so, whenever I can I am sheitel-less! As the front door to my house opens, I am literally opening the clips, and starting to slide it off backwards as I run up the steps … Now, don’t get me wrong, I do believe we all look better in a wig. However, I’m not one to sacrifice comfort for looks unless it’s for something big, like a family simcha, and even then it’s not my first choice. I simply don’t understand why women find going out in public with a snood such a horror, or why it is so frowned upon. Are you really that self conscious about your looks? And do you honestly think about your looks that often? Yes, yes, I sound awfully condescending, I know … Sorry, and kisses! To me, there is something so beautiful about a fresh face without lots of hair distracting from the features, and I don’t look down on women who go out in snoods occasionally. A relative recently told me she refuses to go out anywhere without her wig because “it looks so strange to goyim to see my head like that.” Uh, what? Being frum and covering your hair should be something one is proud of! Saying you don’t want Gentiles to realize that you cover your hair is basically saying that you are embarrassed that you cover your hair. And that makes me sad. I wish we could all have pride in the things we do on a daily basis. No, I don’t love wearing a sheitel, and after four years I still miss my hair. But I am immensely proud of the fact that I do, and the reason for it as well. I’m proud of my commitment to Hashem, and my commitment to my marriage. Simple as that.

Xoxo to you all,
Batsheva

What do you think about wearing snoods in public? And “hair covering pride”?

The inspiration for this blog streams from many sources, but mostly from the wish to share appropriate, honest, and fresh content with my peers. One’s home is the epicenter of any frum woman’s life, and while we all adore sharing ideas with another, I found a lack of inspiration in the blogosphere. Simply put, there was nowhere to see pretty things, gain inspiration, or laugh at humor in a way that reflected my strong Jewish values.

And so, La Petite Famille was born. Literally, “my small family” in French. However, the name means so much more. “Small” in my ability to elevate and enjoy the small things in life. “Small” in my future goals of being happy to raise a family IY”H that carries on the traditions of our past, and wanting nothing more. “Small” in feeling no current lack, though life is quite simple at the moment.

My hopes for this blog are twofold. One, to create a sense of community amongst frum women, and in doing so, two, inspire. By reading this blog, you can expect fun shopping finds, peeks into my personal life (with the wish that you comment back about yours,) beauty tips, fresh recipes, my random musings, lot of children’s fashion, and heaps more.